Morgantown

Morgantown is a city in north-central West Virginia, United States. It is the county seat of Monongalia County and sits along the Monongahela River. The city is the home of West Virginia University, a public land-grant research university founded in 1867, and a major center for education, healthcare, and research in the region.

History and origin: The area was settled in the late 1760s by Morgan Morgan, after whom the town is named. It developed as a river crossing and trading site in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Morgantown grew with the arrival of the railroad and later became an urban center for the surrounding hills.

Economy and infrastructure: Today, WVU and affiliated medical facilities dominate the local economy, with education, research, and health care employing a significant portion of residents. The city supports a mix of services, small manufacturing, and technology firms, along with cultural and outdoor-recreation amenities.

Demographics and culture: As of the latest estimates, Morgantown has a population in the low 30,000s. The city maintains a historic downtown and offers theaters, galleries, and festivals that reflect its university influence and regional heritage. Notable individuals associated with Morgantown include the actor Don Knotts, who was born there.

Transportation: Morgantown is connected by Interstate 79 and U.S. routes near the city, and is served by Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW) for regional air service. The Monongahela River provides opportunities for boating and riverside recreation.